Aquaponic certificate course set for June 20 in Wilburton

6/9/2015

WILBURTON, OK (June 9, 2015) – A popular one-day aquaponic certificate course will be offered on Saturday, June 20 at Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton. The class, which is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., will be presented by Eastern faculty and Symbiotic Aquaponic.

Aquaponic agriculture is an innovative method of growing all-natural produce and fish using a re-circulating water system. Using this approach, water from the fish habitat provides all the necessary nutrients for growing a variety of plants such as cherry tomatoes, leafy greens, herbs, strawberries and even flowers. As a result, the plants clean the water for the fish.

The course will provide an introduction to aquaponic topics such as system designs, scientific principles of aquaponics and the selection of plant and fish species. Participants will engage in classroom discussions and hands-on experience in Eastern’s Greenhouse. All course materials will be provided on the day of the class. Participants will also sample produce from the aquaponic greenhouse for lunch.

“Aquaponics is especially valuable in places like Oklahoma where drought and water-shortages are constant concerns,” said Kaben Smallwood, Symbiotic Aquaponic CEO and co-owner.

Smallwood said their patent-pending aquaponic systems use approximately 1/95th of the water of traditional agriculture. The reduced water usage, increased crop yields and expanded growing season has resulted in a growing interest in aquaponics in the region.

“Aquaponics can be done at home by the hobbyist home-gardener or on an even larger commercial scale by skilled farmers,” Smallwood said. “However, it does require knowing what you’re doing and some understanding to do it right.”

The cost for the program is $149 and includes materials, refreshments and a light lunch. Special group rates are available for groups of four or more. Online registration and payment is available at www.symbioticaquaponic.com.